MACKINAC ISLAND, MI - When the hotels on Mackinac Island open this spring, some of these destinations will have a little more to show for their off-season work than others.

The sprawling Mission Point Resort is wrapping up one of the largest winter work projects the island has seen. It caps a multi-year, $10 million investment by the Ware family, who has owned the waterfront property since 2014.

Because they see themselves as stewards of a favorite summer retreat, the family has spent the last few years carefully mapping out renovations that will keep the longtime property's character intact while making modern upgrades. They believe this will keep their guests returning - and entice new visitors.

When Mission Point's doors open on April 26, the most noticeable update might be the new look of the 133 guest rooms and suites at The Straits Lodge.

There's also a lot of made-in-Michigan special touches to be found all through the resort, updated menu items at some of its most popular eateries, and even new perks for pets who accompany their owners on vacation.

But behind all these upgrades was an intense winter work season that had a few surprises in store for the staff.

“It look a lot of pre-planning," said Liz Ware, Mission Point's vice president of sales and marketing. "The logistics are crazy. We had to get supplies over early, not knowing when the boats would end.”

Because it's an island, all the supplies for a project this big have to arrive by boat or plane. And this winter threw more than a few wrenches into the carefully-planned work schedule.

Ice formed in the Straits of Mackinac earlier than expected this past winter, Ware said. Supply boats ended their runs. Then the Polar Vortex hit hard, and a partial federal government shutdown put a temporary crimp on flights to the island. With 65 construction crew members working on the projects, getting them on and off the island became a challenge.

“When the boats were running, that was fine," Ware said. "Then the boats stopped running, the Straits froze, and winter fog near the island grounded planes. And the last half of winter brought piles of snow that had to be shoveled every day."

But they pushed forward. They waded through layers of contingency plans. New furniture destined for the resort was taken as far as St. Ignace, where it was put into warehouse storage temporarily, so it can be delivered as soon as the first boats are ready to make the crossing.

Looking back at those winter months, Ware says the credit belongs to everyone who pulled together as one team. “Everyone is so committed to getting this done,” she said. “The teamwork and effort is palpable. In that sense, everyone has really rallied together.”

Now that opening day is near, Mission Point staff are sharing some photos of the resort. We'll take you through what's new, and show you a list of package deals unveiled for the 2019 season.

Photo courtesy of Mission Point Resort

The resort has several indoor and outdoor dining options.

Photo courtesy of Mission Point Resort

Located on the "sunrise side" of the island, Mission Point's Great Lawn hugs the curve along the Straits of Mackinac and features dozens of Adirondack chairs. Guests and non-guests alike are invited to settle in and enjoy the view.